
Introduction
This brief is part of the Human Services Programs in Rural Contexts Study, which employed a mixed methods research design involving engagement with human services subject matter experts, analysis of administrative and secondary data, and interviews with human service practitioners across 12 rural communities to achieve the following: 1) provide an in-depth description of human services programs in rural contexts; 2) determine the remaining need for human services in rural communities; and 3) identify opportunities for strengthening the capacity of human services programs to promote the economic and social well-being of individuals, families, and communities in rural contexts.
Purpose
The purpose of this brief is to provide federal, state, and local policymakers, program administrators, staff, and partners with a series of lessons learned and practitioner recommendations to help inform policy and service delivery moving forward.
Key Findings and Highlights
HPOG programs in rural contexts filled a need for more healthcare professionals and provided participants with education and employment.
HPOG program funding in rural areas was concentrated in certain parts of the United States, including the Midwest and pockets of the Northeast and Southeast.
Several HPOG program staff described successes in delivering HPOG in rural contexts using a Two-Generation model of service delivery.
Opportunities for strengthening human services programs like HPOG in rural contexts include addressing technological needs and ensuring the accessibility and actionability of relevant data. The overall shift to more online processes brought about the Covid-19 pandemic has made it harder to provide services for those rural populations with the least connectivity and some HPOG participants lacked knowledge of how to use virtual learning and connection platforms like Zoom.
Practitioner recommendations encompassed embedding staff and services in the community, enabling flexible program delivery and local adaptations, simplifying and streamlining requirements and processes across human services programs, and providing staff training.
Citation
E. Brimsek, J. Murdoch, and E. Ward. 2022. Exploring Remaining Needs and Opportunities for Improvement in Rural Communities: A Focus on Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG) Programs in Rural Contexts. OPRE Brief #2023-044. Washington, DC: Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.